Definition

This procedure is done to treat
obesity
. Small incisions are made in the abdomen. An adjustable band is placed around the stomach with the aid of a tiny tool with a camera on it. The tube is called a laparoscope. The surgery causes weight loss by decreasing the amount of food that can pass into your stomach.

Anesthesia

Description of the Procedure

To prepare you for surgery, an IV will be placed. You may receive fluids and medications through the IV during the procedure. A breathing tube will be placed through your mouth and into your windpipe. This will help you breathe during surgery. You will also have a catheter placed in your bladder to drain urine.

Several small incisions will be made in the abdomen. Gas will be pumped in to inflate your abdomen. This will make it easier for the doctor to see. A laparoscope and surgical tools will be inserted through the incisions. A laparoscope is a thin, lighted tool with a tiny camera. It sends images of your abdominal cavity to a monitor in the operating room. Your doctor will operate while viewing the area on this monitor.

An adjustable round band is placed around the top of the stomach and fastened into place. This creates a smaller stomach area for food. Tubing is placed from the band to an access port in the abdominal wall. The band can later be adjusted with a special saline solution and needle syringe. The incisions will be closed with staples or stitches.

Immediately After Procedure

The breathing tube will be removed. You will be taken to the recovery area while the anesthesia wears off.

How Long Will It Take?

30-60 minutes

How Much Will It Hurt?

Anesthesia will prevent pain during surgery. Pain and discomfort after the procedure can be managed with medications.

Average Hospital Stay

The usual length of stay is 1-2 days. You may be kept longer if needed.

Post-procedure Care

At the Hospital

While you are recovering at the hospital:

Pain medication will be given as needed.

On the day after the surgery, x-rays will be taken to make sure the band is in place. If everything looks fine, you will be given fluids, then progress to pureed food.

You may be asked to do the following:

Use an incentive spirometer to take deep breaths every hour. This is to prevent breathing problems.

Wear elastic surgical stockings or boots. This is to promote blood flow in your legs.

Get up and walk to circulate blood and promote healing.

Preventing Infection

During your stay, the hospital staff will take steps to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing their hands

Wearing gloves or masks

Keeping your incisions covered

There are also steps you can take to reduce your chance of infection, such as:

Washing your hands often and reminding visitors and healthcare providers to do the same

Reminding your healthcare providers to wear gloves or masks

Not allowing others to touch your incision

At Home

Be sure to follow your doctor’s instructions. You will need to practice lifelong healthy eating and exercising habits. Keep in mind after your surgery:

It will take 2-4 weeks to fully recover. You may be out of work for several days after surgery.

Meet regularly with your healthcare team for monitoring and support.

Your doctor may recommend that you meet with a therapist to discuss emotional changes after surgery.

Your new stomach pouch will be the size of a small egg. It will be slow to empty. This will make you feel full quickly. Nutritional guidelines include:

Eat very small amounts and eat very slowly. You will begin with 4-6 small meals per day. A meal is two ounces of food.

For the first 4-6 weeks, all food must be pureed. After you move to solid foods, food must be well-chewed. When making food choices, ensure that you are getting enough protein.

Eating too much or too quickly can cause vomiting or intense pain under your breastbone. Most people quickly learn how much food they can eat.

This procedure does not cause nausea and
diarrhea
if sweet or fatty foods are eaten. In fact, some people gain back weight because they continue to eat high-calorie foods. To promote ongoing weight loss, you will need to eat healthy foods.

References:

Gastric band operation. The British United Provident Association website. Available at:
http://www.bupa.co.uk/individuals/health-information/directory/g/gastric-band. Accessed December 1, 2014.

LapBand surgery information. Center for the Treatment of Obesity, University of California San Diego Medical Center website. Available at:
http://health.ucsd.edu/specialties/surgery/bariatric/weight-loss-surgery/gastric-band/Pages/default.aspx. Accessed December 1, 2014.

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